Vienna Biocenter Summer School For Undergraduate Students 2024

The Vienna Biocenter Summer School provides a unique opportunity for approximately 20 undergraduate students to work side by side with leading researchers in a dynamic scientific environment.Our programme aims to attract talented students from around the world, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere. It is the perfect preparation for those students who are interested in graduate study in the life sciences arena. Applicants who are successful are provided with accommodation, a travel allowance and a stipend for the duration of the scholarship.

The programme, starts on the last Friday in June and finishes on the the last Friday of August (or 31 August) each year.The school is a collaboration between five of Europe’s leading research institutes: Research Center for Molecular Medicine (CEMM), Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI), Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) and the Max Perutz Labs (Max Perutz Labs) and is generously sponsored by the Max Birnstiel Foundation.

Research Project

Each fellow will be allocated a faculty member, with whom they will work closely. The research project will focus on a current topic in the allocated lab. Supported by a member of the laboratory the scholar will be expected to perform experiments, analyse data, generate ideas, and discuss their results.In addition to practical laboratory work the scholar will also take part in lab meetings, journal clubs and other activities.

About Vienna Biocenter

A leading life science location in Europe, the Vienna BioCenter is a bustling campus that combines fundamental research institutes, academic institutions, and biotech businesses.There is almost no experiment that cannot be conducted at the VBC thanks to the collaboration of four research institutes, which create an outstanding training environment where students and junior researchers have all the resources needed to perform important work. Our training programmes are made to help students and postdocs become independent, critical thinkers and innovators while priming and/or advancing their learning of critical skills.

Aim and Benefits of Vienna Biocenter Summer School Scholarship

• Selected fellows receive numerous benefits e.g. free student accommodation, a stipend of 1400 euros after tax for the nine-week programme, medical insurance and others.

The Vienna Biocenter Summer School do not charge an application fee and welcome applications from students (BA Hons, Master, MSc) from all around the world who are undergraduates/master students, and have completed at least two years of university study in a Life Sciences related study. 

Requirements for Vienna Biocenter Summer School Scholarship Qualification

• Have completed at least 3 years of university courses in biology or relevant subject areas (senior undergraduate or master level students)
  • a final bachelor or master degree is not required
  • students already enrolled in a PhD are not eligible to apply
• Basic knowledge of biological research and technical laboratory skills; prior lab experience is beneficial but not required;
• English proficiency (English will be the working language)
• High level of motivation and willingness to learn
• Excellent team-player and ability to work in a group
• Commitment to attend the entire three months (June 1st – August 31st)

Interview date, Process and Venue for Vienna Biocenter Summer School Scholarship

Application Procedure/Timelines

Interested students should complete the online application form. When applying applicants will be asked to specify the names of three lab heads in their order of preference. While we cannot guarantee that an applicant will be assigned to one of these labs, we will make our best efforts to do so. You will also be asked to detail your educational and research experience.

Timelines

• Call Opens 1 December closes 31 January (2359 CET)
• Results are published 15 March
• Summer School starts: 1 July (or last Friday in June)
• Summer School ends: 31 August (or last Friday in August)

Dates are subject to change

Application Deadline

January 28, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Vienna Biocenter on selapp.imp.ac.at to apply

We encourage applications from students (BA Hons, Master, MSc) from all around the world who are undergraduates/master students, and have completed at least two years of university study in a Life Sciences related study (Molecular and cell biology, Chemistry etc.); a list of the areas at the Vienna BioCenter are available at the following link: https://www.viennabiocenter.org/research/research-areas/ 

Note: Applicants should check the groups offering positions before applying as this will also determine which research areas are covered in the call.

Please check the relevant criteria below and the link to the application form.

For more details, visit Vienna Biocenter website